Jon Lester is having the worst season of his career and Josh Beckett is the least popular athlete in Boston. It was even worse for poor Daniel Bard, who lost the ability to throw strikes and was sent to the minors.

Felix Doubront showed promise but is now worn out by a heavy workload and is getting a break.

The Red Sox rotation has been largely a disaster all season. But Clay Buchholz, who had his own problems early on, is shining through the gloom.

Buchholz (10-3) gave up one earned run and struck out six without a walk. He retired the last 12 Cleveland hitters he faced and 18 of the final 19. He hand-delivered a victory to a team desperate for one.

"That's probably as good as he's been all year. He's really turned it around and pitched his butt off," said Cody Ross, whose two-run home run in the sixth inning provided the winning runs.